T20 World Cup 2024: Following the squad announcement, Ryan Rickleton talks about his “awkward few days” with Rassie van der Dussen.

As seen by their lighthearted social media banter about golf and fashion, Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussenn have formed a close connection akin to brothers despite their eight-year age difference. After the squad announcement, Rickleton bemoaned the discomfort that developed between him and van der Dussen, with both of them refraining from emailing one another. Furthermore, he believed that since he and Rassie van der Dussen were such good friends, he ought to have taken the initiative to comfort the latter following the regrettable incident.

Given his modest international record, Ryan Rickleton’s inclusion in the 15-man roster for the T20 World Cup 2024 would have been a dream come true for the South African wicketkeeper-batter. But Rickelton’s happiness was short-lived when he learned that Rassie van der Dussen, his close friend and provincial teammate, had not made the cut.

It was awkward for a couple of days. Our bond was not good. We didn’t message one another. That one was difficult. We are really close, and timeslive.co.za cited Rickleton as stating, “I probably was in the wrong [for not calling].”

It broke my heart to see him: Over Rickleton on Rassie van der Dussenn

Rickleton sympathised with Rassie van der Dussenn for not being chosen for the squad. In truth, Rickleton stated that following a few days of no radio communication, Rassie van der Dussenn had sent him a message thanking him and the latter offering his condolences. An athlete of van der Dussen’s calibre ought to be a lock for most teams, according to Rickleton as well. Additionally, he added that their friendship is unwavering and as solid as a rock.

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“I felt so sorry for him.” We had a conversation about it, I expressed my sorrow to him, and he congratulated me, but our bond remains as strong as ever. I do feel bad for him because he is a terrific athlete who could fit into any team in the world, Rickleton continued.